Ashlee Buzzard Makes First Court Appearance After Two No-Shows

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) - Ashlee Buzzard appeared in court today after she failed to appear at the last two hearings.

Buzzard is charged with murdering her 9-year-old daughter Melodee.

Prosecutors say the Vandenberg Village woman shot her daughter during a road trip in October and left her body in rural Utah.

Buzzard has pleaded not guilty.

Under advisement from Buzzard’s public defender Erica Sutherland, Judge Dunkle began Wednesday’s hearing by admonishing the media. 

Dunkle reiterated the press’s restrictions to still photos only, and prohibited any photos of her in handcuffs or appearing to be in custody.

Buzzard and her attorney remained seated on the side of the courtroom, next to the door leading to holding.

Public defender Erica Sutherland made a motion that the evidence records she received be sealed from the public, as that request had not been made to date.

Judge Dunkle set Buzzard’s next court appearance for April 1st where a ruling will be made on the motion that day, and they will possibly schedule the preliminary trial hearing.

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